Sharks re-sign Ehrhoff for 3 years

The Sharks re-signed defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to a three-year, $9.3 million contract. Ehrhoff, 26, had one goal and 22 assists in 77 games last season. Though his scoring was down from the previous year, he was praised by his coaches for concentrating more on the defensive side of the game. Last year, Ehrhoff's salary was $900,000.

Ehrhoff will earn $2.75 million next season. His signing puts the Sharks' payroll close to the NHL's $56.7 million salary cap with regulars Ryane Clowe and Marcel Goc still to be signed.

In other NHL news:

• The Vancouver Canucks retained forward Steve Bernier by quickly matching the one-year, $2.5 million offer sheet the forward signed with the St. Louis Blues. Bernier split last year between San Jose and Buffalo, combining for 16 goals and 32 points in 76 games. He was acquired by Vancouver on Friday.

• Center Brendan Morrison, who has had 50-plus points in six of the past seven NHL seasons with Vancouver, signed a one-year contract with Anaheim.

• Mark Recchi, a seven-time All-Star who last played with Atlanta, signed a one-year contract worth $1.25 million with Tampa Bay.

• Ottawa signed former Philadelphia defenseman Jason Smith to a two-year, $5.2 million contract.

• http://www.mercurynews.com/sportsheadlines/ci_9825750

AOR